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Jewels in His Crown
Lu Dunbar, President
Isn’t it wonderful how God can give fresh insights to Scripture you have read before, perhaps even many times? Such was the case for me recently when reading II Kings 4:1-7. It is
the story of a widow who thought she would have to sell her sons into slavery in order to pay debts left by her husband’s death. The verses are not as much about paying off debt as they are
about a community of generous neighbors and the way God used them to provide for her.
This was done in no ordinary way! In fact, it seemed to be somewhat "foolish." Here was
a widow with only a little bit of oil. Oil was necessary for food and light—and represented a symbol for the Holy Spirit—and Elisha told her to pour it into all the empty vessels she and her
sons could collect from their neighbors, filling each one. He told her to gather "not a few" and when they were full, Elisha told her to sell the oil, pay her debts and she would
have enough left for her family to live on.
Do you suppose the neighbors had any idea how their empty vessels would provide for this widow and her sons for the rest of their lives?
Can you imagine the faith-stretching experience of that community as they saw the oil multiplied and used to keep a family together?
This story reminds me of the generosity of the
women of Royal Treasure. At the recent symposium these women shared their wisdom, gifts, talents, and resources, encouraging one another to "take the next step." The sharing of
lives and experiences gave rise to a feeling that "if you can do it, well maybe I can do it too." We are truly experiencing a God-thing through the ministry of Royal Treasure as the
women we encounter in this work see the reality of God’s infinite generosity and His unfailing love for all creation. Moreover, this ministry has that potential because it lifts up the
capacity for profound generosity that exists in all of us, a potential that God wants us to realize in every aspect of each of our lives.
Praise
- The Lord has blessed and honored Royal Treasure with another life-changing symposium.
- Women are growing in their wisdom and knowledge of financial matters and are having the courage to take control of their affairs.
- Women are recognizing that every story is a Sacred Story, and that a legacy to the coming generations of the importance of their giftedness and their giving matters to God.
- The Lord continues to bring women across our path who are seeking resources, tools, friendship and practical ways of living generously.
- Successful Women's Forums in Toledo and Memphis.
Recommended Reading: "Ruthless Trust" by Brennan Manning
Mark Your Calendars: April
18-21, 2002; Royal Treasure Symposium, Doubletree Guest Suites,
Atlanta, Georgia
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